Elephant ears are giant leafy (mostly) tropical plants. Colocasias are what we primarily call “elephant ears,” but alocasias (upright elephant ears) slip in there, too.
When you buy dormant elephant ear plants, you’re buying the corms, or bulb-like structure. A corm is a swollen underground stem. Corms look like bulbs, but while bulbs are formed from compressed leaves, a corm is all stem. When you cut into a corm you won’t see any layers.
Elephant ear corms grow over time, with the original corm doubling or tripling in size. Plants also produce offsets that can be broken off and planted elsewhere.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, when tropical plants in temperate places became the hot (pun intended) design trend, plant breeders selected, developed, and released elephant ears with varying leaf colors and sizes. They’re fantastic for quick summer greenery and a lush look in the landscape.
Elephant ear plants are known for their huge, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long Their tropical looks make them extremely popular in gardens and as container plants on patios. However, sometimes these dramatic beauties outgrow their space and need dividing or transplanting to a new location. Knowing the optimal time to transplant elephant ears ensures your plants will suffer the least amount of stress and continue flourishing.
In this article, we’ll explore the best seasons and techniques for transplanting elephant ears so you can keep these stunning plants growing vigorously year after year.
Why Spring is the Ideal Season for Transplanting Elephant Ears
Without a doubt, spring is the prime time for moving or dividing elephant ear bulbs. Here are the key reasons why:
-
Elephant ears emerge from dormancy and send up fresh, new sprouts in early spring, making it the perfect time to transplant young plants without disturbing established root systems.
-
Transplanting in spring allows the elephant ears the entire growing season to recover from the move and establish strong roots in their new location before going dormant again in fall
-
The plants are still small and manageable in spring. Trying to dig up and move huge, mature elephant ears later in summer can damage the plant.
-
The cool temperatures and abundant moisture of spring help reduce transplant stress on the plants.
For all these reasons, aim to transplant your elephant ears in early to mid spring when the new growth is just a few inches tall. This gives the plants plenty of time to develop healthy roots before the stresses of summer set in.
Wait Until After Last Frost if You Live in a Cold Climate
Gardeners in zones 8-10 with mild, frost-free winters can safely transplant elephant ears any time in spring or even in winter. But for those in cooler climates, timing is key.
Elephant ears are extremely frost tender and will sustain heavy damage if exposed to freezing temperatures. Be sure to wait until 2-4 weeks after your area’s average last spring frost date before moving or dividing the plants. Check your local frost dates each year, and don’t rush into transplanting too early.
If an unexpected late frost threatens your newly transplanted elephant ears, protect them overnight by covering with sheets, burlap, or plastic sheeting until the danger has safely passed.
For gardeners overwintering dormant elephant ears in cold climates, dig up the bulbs in fall before the first frost hits. Store them in a cool basement until spring, then replant them outdoors once the soil has warmed up again.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transplanting Elephant Ears in Spring
Follow these simple steps for successfully transplanting elephant ears in the spring:
Choose an Ideal Growing Site
Pick a location that gets 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily and has organically rich, well-draining soil. Elephant ears thrive in consistent moisture, so select a low-lying spot or plant them beside a pond or stream. Quick drainage is also key to prevent the bulbs from rotting.
Prepare the Soil
About 2-3 weeks before transplanting, prepare the planting site by mixing 4-6 inches of compost, rotted manure, or other organic matter into the top 12 inches of soil. This organic boost helps young elephant ear transplants establish quickly.
Water Plants Well Before Digging
Thoroughly hydrate the elephant ears a day or two before transplanting. Pre-watering reduces stress on the plants and makes digging up the bulbs easier.
Dig Wide Planting Holes
Elephant ears have large, expansive root systems. Dig each new planting hole at least twice as wide as the root ball and about as deep.
Carefully Transplant the Divisions
Gently loosen the roots before placing each elephant ear division in its new hole. Refill the hole with the prepared soil, lightly tamping it down around the base.
Water Thoroughly After Planting
Water the transplants deeply right after planting, then regularly whenever the top inch of soil dries out. Proper watering keeps roots hydrated and prevents transplant shock.
Provide Temporary Shade if Hot
In warmer climates, add temporary shade cloth if transplanting later in spring when temperatures climb. Dappled shade reduces stress on newly planted elephant ears.
Follow this straightforward spring transplanting routine, and your elephant ears will quickly bounce back and reward you with vigorous growth all season long.
Dividing Overgrown Elephant Ear Clumps in Spring
In addition to transplanting bulbs, spring is also the ideal time for dividing overcrowded elephant ear clumps. Here is a simple process:
-
In early spring, carefully dig up the entire elephant ear clump using a shovel, removing it in one piece. Gently shake off any loose soil still clinging to the roots.
-
With clean hands, gently pull the root ball apart with your fingers, dividing it into smaller sections. Don’t worry about small roots breaking in the process.
-
Immediately replant the divisions in their prepared holes, spacing them 3-5 feet apart.
-
Water thoroughly after planting and fertilize monthly to stimulate rapid regrowth. New sprouts will quickly emerge within a few weeks!
Dividing congested elephant ears revitalizes the plants and easily propagates new ones for free. Just be sure to do the dividing in early spring when they are actively growing for best results.
Is it Possible to Transplant Elephant Ears in Summer or Fall?
While spring is certainly ideal, elephant ears can be transplanted in summer or early fall if necessary, provided some extra care is taken:
Summer
-
Only transplant container-grown elephant ears in summer, not plants already established in the garden, to reduce heat stress.
-
Provide ample shade, wind protection, and frequent irrigation for summer transplants. Avoid letting the soil dry out.
-
Monitor for transplant shock. Recovery will be slower due to summer heat.
Early Fall
-
Transplanting in early fall can work well while soil is still warm, stopping about 6 weeks before your first expected fall frost.
-
This gives the elephant ears enough time to establish roots before going dormant for winter.
While summer and fall transplanting are riskier and may slow the plants down, with proper care and timing it can certainly be successful. But springtime is still the optimal season for moving elephant ears.
Caring for Elephant Ears Over Winter in Cold Climates
Gardeners in zones 7 and below need to overwinter dormant elephant ear bulbs indoors since they cannot survive freezing winter temperatures. Here is a quick summary of proper winter care:
-
In early fall before frost, carefully dig up bulbs and allow them to dry in indirect sunlight for 1-2 weeks so any cuts can callous over.
-
Remove all foliage, leaving the neck intact.
-
Place the dried bulbs in damp peat moss or vermiculite. Store in a cool basement around 50°F over winter.
-
Periodically check bulbs, watering just lightly if needed to prevent shriveling. Don’t let bulbs sit in moisture or rot may occur.
-
In spring, transplant the dormant elephant ear bulbs back outdoors once all danger of frost has passed.
With attentive indoor storage over winter, elephant ear bulbs can live for many years, growing larger each season!
Troubleshooting Transplant Issues with Elephant Ears
Elephant ears are generally easy, trouble-free plants to transplant if it’s done at the right time in spring. But occasionally issues can arise:
-
Drooping leaves – Some drooping after transplanting is normal. Gently stake leaves until the plant recovers. Ensure consistent soil moisture.
-
Lack of new growth – No new leaves indicates a stressed transplant. Pamper with ideal growing conditions and fertilizer to stimulate growth.
-
Rotting bulbs – Rotting often results from poor drainage. Improve drainage before trying to replant.
-
Pests/diseases – Transplant shock can weaken plants. Isolate and promptly treat any affected plants.
With attentive care after transplanting and a little TLC, elephant ears should flourish in their new location with no setbacks. But be sure to give them sufficient time to adjust before expecting vigorous growth.
The Key to Successful Elephant Ear Transplanting
Follow these elephant ear transplanting tips, and you’ll soon be rewarded with healthy, thriving plants. Before you know it, you may be dividing your elephant ears regularly to multiply new plants for free!
How to Grow Elephant Ears Throughout the Season
Growth Habit: The growth habit depends on the type of elephant ear. Stems of colocasias grow up and then the leaves open, causing stems to slightly droop. This creates an umbrella shape. Alocasias (upright elephant ears) have leaves that point sharply upwards. The overall plant is somewhat rounded, but it’s definitely a different look than the colocasias.
Elephant ears can be clumpers or runners. Clump-forming elephant ears form slowly-expanding clumps (as the name suggests). Runners can spread out via aboveground or underground stems. In warm areas where the plants are perennials, they can become almost weedy.
Staking: Elephant ears do not require staking.
Watering: These are high water plants. The more water they get the bigger they’ll grow. Some varieties will even thrive when planted in a pot and grown as a marginal pond plant. (Pot fully submerged.) Containers will need to be watered daily during the summer. Plan on giving plants at least 2-3 inches of water per week.
Fertilizing: Elephant ears are heavy eaters, as well as drinkers. Fertilize monthly with a general fertilizer of choice. Organic slow release fertilizers will last longer, so choose something like bonemeal or bloodmeal when possible.
Trimming & Pruning: Plants will produce new leaves throughout the growing season. Remove wilted, browning, or ratty leaves by cutting them off at the base of the plant.
Mulching: Mulch with shredded hardwood or shredded leaf compost at the time of planting. That will help keep the soil moist and the soil fertility high.
When & Where to Plant Elephant Ears
Elephant ears are warm-weather plants. Some will survive in-ground over the winter in zones as cold as 6, while others need to be dug up and stored for the winter unless planted in a zone 9 garden. It always pays to check the cold hardiness information about the variety you’ve purchased. Bulbs can grow to be large, so if you can leave them in the ground, do.
Light: Most plants grow best in full sun to partial shade. ‘Black Magic’ is an exception that performs well in partial to full shade.
Soil: Grow elephant ears in moist, loamy soil with a high organic matter content.
Spacing: Spacing depends on the variety you’re growing. You could need anywhere from 2 feet to 6 feet between plants to allow them enough room to spread out.
Planting: When planting new elephant ears or re-planting for the spring, set corms in the garden when nighttime temperatures are consistently 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant 4-6 inches deep. (The bigger the bulb the deeper it goes.) Most elephant ears will grow to be at least 4 feet wide, so give them space!
Plant corms 2-4 feet apart, 4-6 inches deep in moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter. You can grow the smaller varieties in large containers. (Large, as in whiskey-barrel-sized containers.) If growing in containers you’ll have to keep the soil evenly, constantly moist.
Elephant Ears come in a wide variety of colors and sizes.
Transplanting Elephant Ear Bulbs
FAQ
What time of year do you transplant elephant ears?
The best time to transplant Elephant ears is in the late fall or early spring while they are mostly dormant. Transplanting in the middle of summer causes heat stress to the plants, even if they are getting adequate water. It may take a few weeks for them to acclimate to the new environment and establish new roots.
Can you dig up elephant ears and replant them?
-
Cut Back Foliage:After the foliage dies, cut it back to a few inches above the ground.
-
Dig Up Tubers:Carefully dig around the base of the plant to lift the tubers, being mindful of not damaging them.
-
Clean and Store (Optional):
- Remove Excess Soil: Gently remove the soil from the tubers.
- Dry and Store: Allow the tubers to dry in a cool, dark, and dry place for a few days.
- Store: Store the tubers in a paper bag, peat moss, or packing peanuts in a cool, dark place until spring.
- Remove Excess Soil: Gently remove the soil from the tubers.
-
Replant:
- Choose a Location: Select a location with well-draining soil and partial to full sun.
- Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Plant Tubers: Plant the tubers with the crown (where the leaves emerge) just above the soil surface.
- Water: Water the newly planted tubers well.
- Choose a Location: Select a location with well-draining soil and partial to full sun.
Do elephant ears like sun or shade?
-
Light Preferences:Most elephant ears (both Alocasia and Colocasia) prefer partial shade or filtered sun, with some tolerating full sun.
-
Sun Tolerance:
- Green-leaved varieties generally can handle more sun than darker-leaved ones.
- Darker-leaved varieties may need more filtered light or shade to prevent scorching.
- Some varieties, like Colocasia esculenta, can tolerate full sun, but still benefit from some protection from the hottest midday sun.
- Green-leaved varieties generally can handle more sun than darker-leaved ones.
-
Ideal Conditions:
- Plant elephant ears in areas that receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade.
- In hot, dry climates, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Ensure well-drained, organically rich soil that stays consistently moist.
- Plant elephant ears in areas that receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade.
-
Types of Elephant Ears:
- Alocasia: Prefers partial shade, dappled sunlight, and well-drained soil.
- Colocasia: Can tolerate more sun and wetter soils.
- Alocasia: Prefers partial shade, dappled sunlight, and well-drained soil.
How to know when to repot an elephant’s ear?
Check for roots peeking out of the drainage holes or surfacing above the soil. If they’re making a break for it, it’s time to repot. Gently remove your plant from its pot. If you’re greeted by a tangled mess of roots that’s more knotted than a sailor’s handbook, your plant is screaming for space.
When should elephant ears be transplanted?
The best time for transplanting elephant ears is when new growth appears in spring. Elephant ears sprout from tubers in spring and quickly grow into large, spreading clumps. In frost-free areas elephant ears can be transplanted any time of year, but transplanting when the plants are small is easiest.
How do I transplant an elephant ear plant?
When it comes to transplanting an elephant ear plant, the size of the pot you should use is important. Choosing the wrong size pot can lead to a stunted plant, root rot, or even death. To ensure your elephant ear plant is healthy and thriving, it’s important to use the right size pot.
What happens if you plant an elephant ear plant too deep?
Planting the plant too deep can cause the roots to rot and the plant to die. The top of the root ball should be level with the soil line when it is planted in the hole. Transplanting an elephant ear plant is an important part of ensuring the longevity of the plant.